Writing
As a wedding and fiesta draw near, two former lovers surrender to a forbidden passion that threatens relationships and defies a town built on judgment.
To avoid losing custody of her six-year-old daughter in Manila, Luz, an undocumented Filipina cleaner working in a luxury Swiss ski resort, must earn money at any cost – even if it means transgressing her own moral limits.
When a dare pushes two couples into an orgy, suppressed feelings rekindle between the two ladies, who were once best friends and lovers.
Mikey, a young, discreet, gay man from the affluent class, spends five years in a city jail while hearing his case for drug pushing. Inside prison, Mikey holds back to adapt to the culture and stratification among inmates. Eventually, Mikey becomes a ‘Mayor’ (ring leader) to a group of gay inmates called “Gang-da”. Together, they thrive to survive the dangers of several gang riots, the mundane, and the decay of human dignity.
Story of a celebrated Kapampangan sculptor who has been battling his personal demons for years.
Nao Tsuyama, a disabled athlete, refuses to let his articifical leg hinder his dream to become a professional boxer. His remarkable journey takes him from Japan to the Philippines, and specifically the celebrated ‘Gensan’ quarter which has spawned worldwide stars such as the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
Saima, is the mother of a cancer-stricken kid and the wife of a medic deployed in a conflict of aggression in southern Philippines.
Lucas, a deaf boy from a small fishing village, is sexually abused by Fr. Mejor, an influential priest. After his parents Madonna and Dante discover the truth, they decide to file a court case against the priest despite the obstacles in their way. In their pursuit of justice, they cross paths with sign language interpreter Maya, who has also witnessed powerful people manipulate the results of cases. In a society where few choose to listen, how can they win against forces that silence those who cannot speak and break the souls of those who can?
The story of the rebuilding of their lives by the survivors of the disaster caused by Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, particularly focusing on the struggles of a mother who lost their children.
In an old house replete with images of Catholic icons and symbols, a young lady struggles with the demented religious fanaticism of her mother, who it seems cannot differentiate between pious fervour and demonic possession for both exist simultaneously in her being.
From the music of UK composer Nainita Desai, Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza crafts a story about a widowed mother who tries to reconcile two brothers feuding over a piece of disputed land in Mindanao. This short film is part of the 2x25 Project of Film Fest Gent and the World Soundtrack Awards. The project commissioned 25 composers to compose a short piece of music, after which 25 filmmakers made short films that are the ultimate symbioses of music and cinematography, fitting completely within the DNA of the festival. The result: 25 exceptional films where the music inspired the form, narrative and texture.
Motherland explores the tragic Mamasapano incident, resulted in mass casualties in southern Philippines.
A single mother, who had an ominous dream about her husband who passed away before her, tries to reconcile her two sons. With the help of the local community, peace seems to be coming to the family, but soon the entire region becomes embroiled in serious violence due to the unexpected intervention of government forces.
The story delves into what is supposed to be a victorious day for Boy whose first born — Jemjem, graduated from elementary with honors. Throughout the story, bits and pieces of fighting against oppression of losing his main livelihood as a vendor, of fighting for his winnings in a bet to game fowls, fighting for his honor as a family man, and eventually fighting for his own life against fate will be revealed.
Angan-Angan (Dreams) centers on a nine-year-old girl named Satra who has been mute for as long as she could remember. Her determination to secure a good education reverberates clearly amid the strictness of her Yakan culture.
a short film by Nadjoua Bansil.
